An LGBTQ+ cruise ship, the Scarlet Lady, has been denied entry into Egyptian waters just days after being turned away from Turkey. The ship, which carries around 2,000 passengers including Broadway performer Patti LuPone, was scheduled to dock in Alexandria but has been forced to seek alternative ports.

Denial of Entry in Egypt
On Thursday morning, passengers received a notification from Rich Campbell, the chief executive of Atlantis Events, the tour group that chartered the Virgin Voyages ship. He informed them that the Egyptian government had denied the ship entry, resulting in the cancellation of the planned stop in Alexandria. Campbell expressed disappointment, noting that a similar itinerary had been successfully completed the previous year without incident. The exact reason for Egypt's decision remains unclear.

Background of the Incident
The Scarlet Lady's journey had already been altered after Turkish authorities blocked its entry. Turkey's government cited concerns over the ship being chartered "by groups known for behaviours that do not align with the structure of our society and our moral values." The Turkish statement indicated significant public concern over the ship's arrival, leading to the abrupt cancellation of its docking.

Reactions from Passengers and Tour Operators
Randy Slovacek, a passenger on the cruise, highlighted the unprecedented nature of the situation, noting that in Atlantis Events' 36-year history, no ship had ever been denied entry in two countries within a week. He emphasized the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community, stating that they would continue to seek destinations that welcome them. Kyle Olsen, owner of Hermes Holidays, expressed concern that the actions of Turkey and Egypt might encourage other countries to prohibit LGBTQ+ tourism, indicating a troubling trend for LGBTQ+ rights globally.

Implications for LGBTQ+ Tourism
The recent events have raised alarms within the LGBTQ+ travel community. Olsen remarked that while the governments of Turkey and Egypt may not represent the views of their citizens, the bans reflect a growing trend of intolerance that could deter future tourism. He noted that he would no longer recommend these countries to his clients, highlighting the impact of political decisions on the travel industry.

Wrap-up
The Scarlet Lady's experience underscores the challenges facing LGBTQ+ travelers in regions where cultural and political climates are increasingly hostile. As more countries impose restrictions based on sexual orientation, the future of inclusive tourism remains uncertain.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team